Wiltshire Council needs to get serious on carbon reduction commitment

8.17.37pm GMT Wed 2nd Dec 2009

Wiltshire Council has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by signing up to the 10:10 campaign - but admitted they don't know what their current CO2 emissions are. It's difficult to achieve a 10% reduction if you don't know where you're starting from!

At a time when environmental ministers from countries around the world are gathering for the United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen the council has promised to do what it can to help.

The 10:10 campaign asks organisations, businesses and individuals to do what they can to reduce their carbon emissions by at least three percent and as close as they can to 10 percent by 2010.

Toby Sturgis, cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: "All of us can do our bit to help halt the impact we're having on global climate change. Wiltshire Council is no different and we have pledged to take action.

"We will be doing everything we can in an effort to reduce the amount of carbon we produce, and I would like to encourage everyone to do the same. We will start by looking at our energy use in council buildings."

For more information see www.1010uk.org.

The council has a dedicated climate change team which is working with partners and communities to reduce Wiltshire's carbon footprint.

The council signed up to the Nottingham Declaration earlier in the year, so have pledged to address the causes of climate change.

Anyone wanting free advice on how to reduce their carbon footprint and to find out whether they are eligible for a grant to help, can contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.